Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community lays foundation stone for new Mosque in Raunheim, Germany

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is pleased to announce that on 18 April 2017, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad laid the foundation stone for the first Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque in the German town of Raunheim.

Around 135 guests attended the ceremony, including the Mayor of Raunheim, Thomas Juhe.

The keynote address was delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who explained the true purposes of Mosques, spoke of his concerns of the increasingly volatile global situation and explained how Islam promoted religious freedom and democracy.

Speaking about the risk of further warfare in the world, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“We are passing through extremely precarious times. There remains great danger posed by some so-called Muslim extremist organisations, whilst we are also witnessing hostilities increasing rapidly between certain countries and this is leading us on a very dangerous path. Whether it is conflict in Europe, Korea, other parts of the Far East or America, there are many fronts from where a war can break out.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“It is my hope and prayer that all those who value humanity understand the grave situation the world is facing work towards bringing mankind together and developing true peace in the world. Certainly, politicians and people of influence should endeavour to persuade their governments to focus on peace-building efforts, rather than inflaming conflicts and taking us further towards the abyss. At this time, the world must focus on reconciliation and bringing people together.”

His Holiness said that violence and bloodshed being carried out in Islam’s name, in both the Muslim and non-Muslim world, stood in stark contrast to the true teachings of Islam. He informed that the true meaning of ‘Islam’ was ‘peace’ and that its teachings enshrined freedom of belief and called on Muslims to live side by side with non-Muslims in peace.

His Holiness also thanked local dignitaries who had earlier highlighted the positive contribution Ahmadi Muslims were making to their society and their efforts to promote peace.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“I am glad that those who spoke earlier held a positive image of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and consider Ahmadi Muslims to be well integrated here in Germany. The reason we are integrated is because we follow the true teachings of Islam and once this Mosque is built you will see even more the virtue and high moral conduct exhibited by the members of our community. You will come to see that rather than spreading hatred or sowing division, the minaret of this Mosque will be a symbol of peace, unity, love and compassion.”

His Holiness spoke of the great emphasis Islam laid upon fulfilling the rights of neighbours. He quoted the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who said that Allah had invoked the rights of neighbours to such an extent that he thought that they might even be deemed amongst the rightful inheritors of one’s wealth.

Elaborating upon the scope of neighbours in Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The category of those who can be considered one’s neighbour is extremely vast according to Islam. It includes a person’s travel companions, work colleagues and all the people who live in the surrounding area.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“In essence, the entire population of a city are the neighbours of Ahmadi Muslims and of our Mosques. Hence, it is incumbent upon all those who come to a Mosque to worship to fulfil the rights of their neighbours and to ensure they never cause them any harm or difficulties. Rather they should love them, care for them and serve them.”

During the address, His Holiness underlined the importance Islam lays upon abiding by the laws of the land. His Holiness quoted a famous saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that the love of one’s country was a part of faith.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Laws of a country are made to protect people from injustices and to create ease. Every true Muslim is obligated to follow the laws of the land and so if anyone has any fears or reservations they should know that Islam does not permit Muslims to engage in lawlessness or to create disorder. Any Muslim who acts against this principle is guilty of violating the true teachings of Islam and unjustly tarnishes its name.”

Thereafter, His Holiness stated that religious freedom was a fundamental principle of Islam, whereby the Holy Quran guaranteed the right of all people to follow and practice their beliefs.

His Holiness said that religious freedom was an essential component of any successful and peaceful society.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“In reality, religious freedom is what can create peace in a society. We believe that every major faith was founded by a Prophet sent by God and given this, it is impossible for us to deny others their religious freedom or to cause them any harm.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“When the early Muslims were granted the right to self-defence after facing years of bitter persecution, it was because the opponents of Islam had sought to destroy the institution of religion itself. Very clearly, the Holy Quran states that if they were not stopped then there would remain no synagogue, church, temple, mosque or any other place of worship. Thus, permission for defensive warfare in early Islam was to protect all religions and to enshrine the principle of freedom of religion once and for all.”

His Holiness also stated that Islam was not opposed to democracy, rather it advocated true democracy based upon fairness and honesty.

Instead of voting for one’s allies or friends, His Holiness said that people should vote for those who they considered most qualified and who had the best vision and policies.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Islam emphasises that there should be democratic freedom and teaches that when appointing leaders, those people should be chosen who will fulfil their responsibilities and trusts with integrity. This requires them to work for the betterment of the people and the country and to discard personal interest for the sake of the greater good. Islam teaches that one’s affiliation to any party should not be the deciding factor in appointing a leader, rather, those people should be elected who help the people and the country to progress further.”

Concluding his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“I hope that, God willing, when this Mosque is completed the local Ahmadi Muslims will fulfil their religious duties by serving the local people and the nation and also exhibit the true and peaceful teachings of Islam through their conduct even more than before.”

Earlier, a welcome address was given by the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Germany, Abdullah Wagishauser, followed by comments from guest speakers.

The Mayor of Raunheim, Thomas Juhe said:

“Ahmadi Muslims have set an example for others here in Raunheim and in every way have proven themselves to be extremely peaceful and good people.”

Sabine Bachle-Sholz, Member of Provincial Assembly said:

“It is a great honour for us all to meet the His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad and for him to visit our town. Ahmadi Muslims are peaceful, law-abiding people who respect our democracy. Hence, I am sure this Mosque will prove to be a symbol of peace and dialogue.”

Following the conclusion of his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad laid the foundation stone for the new Mosque.

The respected wife of His Holiness, Hazrat Amtul Sabooh Begum also laid a stone in the foundation of the Mosque and thereafter the Mayor, other dignitaries and a number of Central, National and Local Ahmadi Muslim officials also laid stones.

The formal session concluded with a silent prayer led by His Holiness, followed by dinner.